Nike x NIGO Air Force III Marks the Start of Something Special!

UPDATE 24/09/24: It’s official, the first ever collaboration between Nike and creative multi-hyphenate, Tomoaki Nagao (aka NIGO), is underway in the form of a bright Air Force III! Featuring the retro silhouette as well as a range of apparel championing the Japanese artist’s undeniable impact, this capsule marks the start of a fruitful partnership between the alliance. 

Looking through a collector’s lens for this vibrant collection, we see the Swoosh draw inspiration from NIGO’s impressive lineage of creativity, whilst paying homage to community and cultural affinity. Spotlighting the AFIII as the stand-out, the model of choice gives us a striking reintroduction to a forgotten gem that we don’t see all too often. Let’s get into the details!

A Closer Look at the Nike x NIGO Air Force III (FQ7012-100)…

Flooded in a spectrum of bright hues, including yellow, green, blue, red and pink, this momentous iteration dons a premium exterior of premium embossed leather. Honouring the occasion, special graphics grace both the heel and tongue, continuing the playful Japanese manga theme explored throughout the campaign. Taking notes from the OG 1988 Air Force 3, the rubber outsole expresses a unique steez, while the thick foam midsole utilises Air tech for optimal comfort on the move. Wrapping up the shoes in a limited edition shoebox, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to ‘cop a slice of sneaker history. 

“When I decided to work with Nike, I went to the Nike World Headquarters and drew a lot of inspiration from the archives, the lab and the team working there. Everything I saw had a great influence on the project. There are still many things yet to come, so please look forward to the Nike and NIGO project. It’s the beginning of a long and exciting journey.” – NIGO

The Nike x NIGO Air Force III lands 28TH SEPTEMBER 2024 exclusively at Otsuma Plaza (Tokyo), humanmade.jp, and the ‘I Know Nigo 2’ pop-up in New York. The capsule will then receive a global launch from 4TH OCTOBER 2024 on SNKRS & SELECT RETAILERS. Find a list of stockists below…

ORIGINAL ARTICLE 20/05/24: Continuing the hype between NIGO and Nike, images of an all-new Air Force 3 Low emerge.

When it comes to hyped sneaker releases, it’s safe to say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Sure, the wait can be tedious, but you can’t deny that it makes the process of eventually copping that bit sweeter. On today’s edition of long-awaited drops, it’s NIGO’s collaboration with the Swoosh, initially teased back in April 2023. 

It’s significantly apparent that the fashion multi-hyphenate has mastered the art of suspense, stepping out in unreleased Nike kicks and repping a co-branded tee for the finale of KENZO’s AW24 presentation. And now, the power of the runway has worked in the favour of sneaker connoisseurs once again, revealing a never-before-seen Air Force 3 Low during KENZO’s SS25 show in Paris. Reviving a retro essence that’s sure to resonate with old-school sneaker aficionados, let’s see what these creps are all about!

A Closer Look at the NIGO x Nike Air Force 3 Low…

The latest design to be teased by the OG founder of BAPE boasts a clean white leather base, adorned with perforations all over. Utilising the Air Force 3 as the muse of the collaboration, the 2000s vibes are undeniable, flaunting energetic colour-blocking of yellow, green, red and blue hues. One notable update to the silhouette takes shape in an adjusted tongue, which replaces traditional ‘FORCE’ typography.

Although a release date is still under-wraps for this undeniably cold collaboration, get ready to cop around AUTUMN 2024. In the meantime, stay locked to our socials @thedropdate for the updates!

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